The choice for a player to be awarded ‘Man of the Match’ in cricket matches is pretty straightforward in majority cases. In some other instances there is often a dilemma between a couple of players, but generally one of them does have a slight edge over the other.
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Just like every other sport, spectators turn up in numbers inside stadiums or watch the live broadcast of a match purely because of the entertainment value attached to it. It might sound harsh but fans are not really appreciative of matches which turn out to be low-scoring or where the batters have not been able to put away the bowlers with ease.
With the advent of T20 format leagues around the world, batters dominating the bowlers by sending the deliveries bowled by them beyond the boundary ropes is what generally adds to the thrill in a game of cricket.
With batters having a major say with respect to providing fans the dose of entertainment, they are the ones who generally walk away with the ‘Man of the Match’ award as well. While the followers are appreciative of outstanding bowling spells, bowlers are not really considered for the award unless they have scalped at least a five-wicket haul.
Also, in most cases, one would notice a batter’s century being given much weightage than a bowler’s five-fer in that very match.
How Is Man Of The Match Decided In Cricket?
The player who is considered to have made an outstanding contribution with the bat, ball, or while fielding is adjudged as the ‘Man of the Match’ or the ‘Player of the Match’.
As an unwritten rule, it is a player from the winning team who generally wins the award as his/her performance helped the team triumph over the other. For e.g., during the second T20I between India and South Africa in Guwahati last year, KL Rahul (57) was adjudged the ‘Player of the Match’ despite David Miller (106*) having smashed an outstanding century. Reason? India had won the match by 16 runs.
However, the likes of Sachin Tendulkar (9), Aravinda de Silva (5), Chris Gayle (6), Andy Flower (5) and Javed Miandad (5) have also been awarded with the honour in the past, despite their team ending up on the losing side.
Who Decides Man Of The Match In Cricket?
While there is no specified section in the laws in this regard, it is usually the commentators who subjectively decide who should be adjudged the ‘Man of the Match’.
The ones forming the commentary panel are usually former cricketers who have followed the ball-by-ball proceedings of the match. They are, thus, fittingly entrusted with the task to pick the deserving player for the match award.
